Sweet, savory, and buttery with a gorgeous caramelized glaze — these Honey Glazed Carrots are a must for your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving cooking lineup. Made in one pan with simple ingredients, they shine as the perfect side dish for any holiday feast.
Looking for a side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? These Glazed Carrots hit the mark every single time. Tender baby carrots are tossed in a buttery honey glaze with hints of mustard and warm spice — then roasted to sweet perfection.
Whether you serve them for Thanksgiving, a Christmas dinner, or a cozy Sunday roast, this recipe brings a gorgeous pop of color and flavor to your table. And the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Glazed Carrots
- ✔️ Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized
- ✔️ Ready in 30 minutes — minimal prep
- ✔️ Easy to make with everyday ingredients
- ✔️ Works with baby carrots or whole carrots
- ✔️ Pairs beautifully with Prime Rib or Roast Turkey
This is the kind of Easy Honey Glazed Carrots recipe that wins hearts — glossy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Let’s make it happen!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carrots (baby or sliced regular) | 1 lb |
| Honey | 3 tbsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Brown sugar (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | ¼ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | 1 tbsp |
Choosing the Best Carrots
Baby carrots are a quick and easy option, but whole carrots sliced on the diagonal look extra elegant for holidays. Choose firm, bright orange carrots for the best flavor and color.
Honey: Any pure honey works, but wildflower or clover honey gives a deeper sweetness. Try local honey for a richer, more floral note.
Mustard & Spices: Dijon mustard adds a gentle tang, while cinnamon and black pepper balance the sweetness — key for a Sweet and Savory Honey Glazed Carrot Recipe.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots
- Preheat the oven: to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the glaze: Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Toss the carrots: In a large bowl, toss carrots with the glaze until evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread carrots in a single layer on the sheet pan. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Finish: Drizzle any remaining glaze over the carrots after roasting. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Use a hot oven for best caramelization — 400°F or even 425°F if your carrots are thick.
- Toss halfway through roasting so they glaze evenly.
- Want extra shine? Brush a bit more honey after roasting.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for spiced variation.
These pair beautifully with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a full festive spread.
Flavor Variations
- Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots: Increase mustard to 1½ tsp for tangier flavor.
- Spiced Carrots: Add nutmeg or allspice for warmth — perfect for Honey Glazed Spiced Carrots.
- Vegan: Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
- With Potatoes: Mix carrots with diced potatoes for Honey Roasted Potatoes and Carrots.
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
- Not caramelized enough? Roast longer or increase oven to 425°F for final 5 minutes.
- Too sweet? Add ½ tsp lemon juice or mustard to balance.
- Too dark? Cover lightly with foil halfway through baking.
- Want softer carrots? Steam 5 minutes before glazing, then roast shorter.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a splash of water.
Make-ahead: Glaze carrots and refrigerate. Roast right before serving for best results.
FAQ
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes! That’s what makes this an Easy Honey-glazed Baby Carrots Recipe — no peeling, no fuss, just toss and roast.
Can I make this on the stove?
Yes, simmer carrots with the glaze in a skillet over medium heat until tender and glossy, about 10–12 minutes.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely! The result is a bit smokier and perfect for fall-inspired Thanksgiving cooking.
Conclusion: The Sweetest Holiday Side Dish
These Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are a small effort with big holiday impact. They’re sweet, glossy, and taste like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen — yet they’re simple enough for any home cook.
For the full Comfort Food Lite table, serve them alongside Prime Rib, Garlic Bread Rolls, and finish the meal with Apple Crumble Cheesecake.
What are you waiting for? Glaze, roast, and let these golden carrots steal the show this holiday season!
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Carrots (baby or sliced regular) Choose firm, bright orange carrots for best flavor.
- 3 tbsp Honey Any pure honey works, wildflower or clover preferred.
- 2 tbsp Butter Melted for the glaze.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard Adds a gentle tang.
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar (optional) For added sweetness.
- ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon Balances sweetness.
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (for garnish) Chopped for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and cinnamon to make the glaze.
- In a large bowl, toss carrots with the glaze until evenly coated.
Cooking
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the sheet pan.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Drizzle any remaining glaze over the carrots after roasting, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
